Self organizing radio access network in a software defined networking environment

ABSTRACT

A self organizing network within a software defined networking environment is provided to allow for fast updating of radio access network parameters which enables optimization algorithms to converge on optimized configurations very quickly. The self organizing network is enabled by providing a self organizing network manager plug-in within a software defined networking environment that interfaces with a radio access network plug-in via a service abstraction layer to quickly obtain base station device parameters, iteratively adjust the base station device parameters to obtain optimized radio access network configurations to mitigate outages, reduce power consumption, manage load, or provide other benefits.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of, and claims priority toeach of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/593,364, filed 12 May 2017,and entitled “SELF ORGANIZING RADIO ACCESS NETWORK IN A SOFTWARE DEFINEDNETWORKING ENVIRONMENT,” which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/718,659 (U.S. Pat. No. 9,681,314), filed 21 May2015, and entitled “SELF ORGANIZING RADIO ACCESS NETWORK IN A SOFTWAREDEFINED NETWORKING ENVIRONMENT,” the entire contents of whichapplications are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject disclosure relates to a self organizing network (SON) for aradio access network in a software defined networking environment.

BACKGROUND

A self organizing network is a class of automation technology that isdesigned to make planning, configuration, management, optimization andhealing of mobile radio access networks simpler and faster. SON istypically designed to operate in a fully automated, closed-loop manner.For SON to work efficiently, however, accurate, real time informationfrom the radio access network is used to perform radio networkoptimization. Current techniques for retrieving base station parametersfrom the radio access network are slow and may consume many minutes toupdate with new information. Converging on an optimized radio accessnetwork solution over many iterations may be delayed for a long time asupdated network parameters are retrieved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an example, non-limiting embodiment of a block diagram showingan update algorithm for a self organizing network in a software definednetworking environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 2 is an example, non-limiting embodiment of a cell tower outagemitigation optimization in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 3 is an example, non-limiting embodiment of a cell tower powerreduction optimization in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 4 is an example, non-limiting embodiment of a block diagram showinga self organizing network in a software defined networking environmentin accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 5 is an example, non-limiting embodiment of a block diagram showinga self organizing network in a software defined networking environmentin accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 6 is an example, non-limiting embodiment of a block diagram showinga self organizing network manager in a software defined networkingenvironment in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting embodimentof a method for utilizing a self organizing network in a softwaredefined networking environment as described herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting embodimentof a method for utilizing a self organizing network in a softwaredefined networking environment as described herein.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of amobile network platform in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more embodiments are now described with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to likeelements throughout. In the following description, for purposes ofexplanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It is evident,however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without thesespecific details (and without applying to any particular networkedenvironment or standard).

A self organizing network within a software defined networkingenvironment is provided to allow for fast updating of radio accessnetwork parameters which enables optimization algorithms to converge onoptimized configurations very quickly. The self organizing network isenabled by providing a self organizing network manager plug-in within asoftware defined networking environment that interfaces with a radioaccess network plug-in via a service abstraction layer to quickly obtainbase station device parameters, iteratively adjust the base stationdevice parameters to obtain optimized radio access networkconfigurations to mitigate outages, reduce power consumption, manageload, and provide other benefits.

The plug-ins can be modules that can be activated within a softwaredefined networking platform. As an example, the radio access networkplug-in and self organizing network manager plug-in can be plug-inswithin a software defined networking platform such as Open Daylight fromthe Open Daylight Project. In other embodiments, the plug-ins can beused with different software defined networking platforms. The plug-inscan interact with existing plug-ins, modules, and components in order toprovide functionality directed towards the radio access networkoptimizations disclosed herein.

The self organizing network manager plug-in can run theself-organization algorithms for network auto-reconfiguration byinterfacing with other software defined networking (SDN) plug-in andexternal applications. As an example the self organizing network managerplug-in can use a northbound communication interface to be used forcommunications between the self organizing network manager plug-in andthe network, to collect information from the network within the scope ofa SON algorithm. The self organizing network manager plug-in can alsointerface internally with a topology manager and inventory in order toobtain network element and topology information. The self organizingnetwork manager plug-in can also communicate with a south boundcommunication using a service abstraction layer to configure devicesbased on the output of the self organizing network manager plug-in.

For these considerations as well as other considerations, in one or moreembodiments, a system comprises a processor and a memory that storesexecutable instructions that when executed by the processor, facilitateperformance of operations, comprising receiving a parameter of a basestation device from the base station device and updating a tree datastructure associated with the parameter. The operations also comprisemodifying the parameter resulting in a modified parameter and updatingthe tree data structure with the modified parameter. The operations alsocomprise transmitting the modified parameter to the base station device.

In another embodiment, a method comprises updating, by a devicecomprising a processor, a tree structure with a first operationalparameter of a first base station device. The method comprisesmodifying, by the device, the first operational parameter, based on aselected optimization plug-in, resulting in a modified operationalparameter. The method also comprises updating, by the device, the treestructure with the modified operational parameter.

In another embodiment, a computer-readable storage device storingexecutable instructions that, in response to execution, cause a devicecomprising a processor to perform operations comprising updating a treestructure with an operational parameter of a base station device. Theoperations also comprise modifying the operational parameter, based on aselected optimization plug-in, resulting in a modified operationalparameter. The operations further comprise updating the tree structurewith the modified operational parameter and transmitting the modifiedoperational parameter to the base station device.

Turning now to FIG. 1, illustrated is an example, non-limitingembodiment of a block diagram 100 showing a update algorithm for a selforganizing network in a software defined networking environment inaccordance with various aspects described herein.

A mobile broadband network generally comprises a radio access networkthat facilitates communications between the mobile devices and a corenetwork. In the case of Long Term Evolution (“LTE”) networks and other3rd Generation Partnership Project (“3GPP”) compliant networks (e.g.,LTE Advanced) and even non-3GPP systems such as WiMAX and CDMA2000,these networks are the radio access network and an evolved packet corenetwork that can contain a series of components that provide mobile dataand control management. The self organizing network manager disclosedherein can be utilized in any mobile network that may include a softwaredefined networking platform for radio access network optimization,although for the ease of simplicity, reference throughout thisapplication will made to LTE and related networks.

The radio access network can include one or more base station devices(Evolved Node B in the case of LTE networks) that are the hardwareconnected to the mobile phone network that communicate directly withmobile devices. These base station devices can be configured to changethe transmission power, tilt, frequency, directional output, load, andetc. When changes are made, the radio access network controller candetermine the result of the changes, and then make more modifications.Converging on an optimum solution to whatever the radio access networkissues are, can take multiple iterations of slight modifications asthere may be too many factors to easily calculate an optimum solution abinitio.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, an improved system for updating theself organizing network with base station device parameters anddistributing the modified parameters to the base station devices isshown. In a software defined networking platform 102, a self organizingnetwork plug-in 108 can contain one or more modules that can facilitateoptimization algorithms for a radio access network. The optimizationmodules can include modules to manage the power consumption of the basestation devices, modules to mitigate cell tower/base station deviceoutages, and other modules.

A tree data structure 106 is provided to store the latest base stationdevice parameters and configuration information. The tree data structure106 can be provided within a service abstraction layer of the SDNplatform 102. The tree data structure 106 can store the configurationinformation associated with the radio access network. The configurationinformation can include base station settings, operational parameters,and other information associated with each base station device in aradio access network. A RAN plug-in 104 can interface with the basestation devices in the radio access network, and at predeterminedintervals, obtain the configuration information and other parametersfrom the base station devices and update the tree data structure 106with the parameters. The SON plug-in 108 can then access the basestation device parameters from the tree data structure 106, performmodifications to the parameters with one or more of the optimizationmodules, and then update the tree data structure 106 with the modifiedbase station device parameters. RAN plug-in 104 can then access themodified base station device parameters from the tree data structure 106and distribute the modified parameters to the base station devices inthe radio access network.

At predetermined intervals (e.g., every minute) the RAN plug-in 104 canobtain the configuration information from the base station devices inthe radio access network, and the process can repeat itself with updatedinformation in each iteration. Over multiple iterations, the SON plug-in108 can provide modified base station device parameters that eventuallyconverge on an optimal solution for power consumption, outagemitigation, or other optimization tasks.

In an embodiment, the SON plug-in 108 can use a northbound communicationinterface to be used for communications between the SON plug-in 108 andthe core network. In this way, the SON plug-in 108 can measure theimpact of the modifications to the base station device parameters bycollecting measurement report information and other parameters frommobile devices communicating with the radio access network.

In an embodiment, the SON plug-in 108 can also receive instructions fromthe core network via the northbound communication interface to activateor deactivate optimization modules/algorithms within the SON plug-in108. For instance, a cell tower outage mitigation module might normallybe inactive, but when the core network determines that a cell tower hasgone offline, either due to a planned event (e.g., maintenance, etc) ordue to an unexpected outage, the core network can send an instruction tothe SON plug-in 108 via the northbound communication interface toactivate the outage mitigation module. Likewise, if there is an event orset of circumstances that may trigger power consumption optimization,the core network can send an instruction to the SON plug-in 108 toactivate the power consumption module.

In other embodiments, the SON plug-in 108 can determine from the basestation device parameters stored in the tree data structure 106 whetheror not to activate one or more optimization modules. For instance, SONplug-in 108 can determine that a base station device has gone offline,or whether increased load on one or more base station devices maytrigger configuration changes to the radio access network and activateand/or enable the relevant modules.

Turning now to FIG. 2, illustrated is an example, non-limitingembodiment of a cell tower outage mitigation optimization 200 inaccordance with various aspects described herein. In this exemplaryembodiment, base station devices 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, and 212 arebase station devices forming a part of a radio access network and basestation device 212 has gone offline. Base station device 212 can havegone offline either due to a planned event (e.g., maintenance, etc) ordue to an unexpected outage (device failure, lack of power, etc). Theself organizing network plug-in (e.g., SON plug-in 108) in the SDNplatform (e.g., SDN platform 102), can determine that base stationdevice 212 has gone offline. The SON plug-in can determine that the basestation device 212 has gone offline based on an instruction receivedfrom a core network, or based on base station device parameters receivedvia a RAN plug-in (e.g., RAN plug-in 104) at a database (e.g., tree datastructure 106).

The SON plug-in can iteratively adjust the configuration settings andoperational parameters of base station devices 202, 204, 206, 208, and210 to account for the coverage loss of base station device 212. Overmultiple iterations, configuration settings such as power, directionaloutput, and other settings can be adjusted, and base station devices202, 204, 206, 208, and 210 can effectively cover for base stationdevice 212. As the database in the software defined networking platformcan be updated with the real-time configuration settings very quickly,the radio access network can converge on a solution within just a fewminutes.

Turning now to FIG. 3, illustrated is an example, non-limitingembodiment of a cell tower power reduction optimization 300 inaccordance with various aspects described herein. In this exemplaryembodiment, base station devices 302 and 304 can provide service formobile devices 306 and 308 in an area. The self organizing networkplug-in (e.g., SON plug-in 108) in the SDN platform (e.g., SDN platform102), can determine that some modifications to the operationalparameters of base station devices 302 and 304 can be made in order toreduce power. Specifically, in the embodiment shown in 300, base stationdevice 302 can service mobile devices 306 and 308 while base stationdevice 304 may not be required.

The SON plug-in can iteratively adjust the configuration settings andoperational parameters of base station devices 302 and 304 andeventually, after multiple rounds of iterations, the radio accessnetwork can result in base station device 312 servicing both mobiledevices 316 and 318 while base station device 314 can be power down. Itis to be appreciated that this is merely an exemplary embodiment, andthat in other embodiments, instead of powering down, the power may bereduced, the directionality or shape of the cellular footprint can beadjusted, mobile devices can be handed over to neighboring base stationdevices, and other adjustments can be made.

Turning now to FIG. 4, illustrated is an example, non-limitingembodiment of a block diagram 400 showing a self organizing network in asoftware defined networking platform 402 in accordance with variousaspects described herein. In an embodiment, SDN platform 402 can be astandardized SDN platform that can have one or more specialized orcustom modules in order to effectuate SON algorithms. In an embodimentSDN platform 402 can include a service abstraction layer 408 thatfacilitates communications between higher level plug-ins and plug-insthat communicate with devices. In an embodiment, the service abstractionlayer 408 can facilitate communications between the RAN plug-in 410which interfaces with the radio access network (e.g., base stationdevice 412) and plug-ins such as a SON manager 406 and a topologymanager 404. The RAN plug-in 410 can update a tree structure associatedwith the service abstraction layer 408 with operational parameters andconfiguration settings of the base station device 412. Once theparameters and settings are stored in the tree structure, the SONmanager 406 can implement one or more optimization algorithms and makeadjustments to the parameters and the RAN plug-in 410 can distributethose modified parameters to the base station device 412.

In an embodiment, the SON manager 406 can interface with the topologymanager 404 in order to obtain network element and topology information.The topology manager 404 can contain information identifying the basestation device 412, its location, as well as its context within a radioaccess network and its relationship to other base station devices. SONmanager 406 can use this information when performing the optimizationsand modifications to the parameters, so that the adjustments to theparameters associated with base station device 412 do not negativelyaffect the radio access network as a whole or other neighboring basestation devices. The accurate, real-time topology information can beused by the SON manager 406 to make parameter tuning decisions. As anexample, the SON manager 406 can use the topology information providedby the topology manager 404 to manage interference, by determining whichbase station devices are neighbors, what frequency they are broadcastingon, and etc., in order to perform power control for interferencecoordination (e.g., LTE Inter-Cell Interference Coordination).

In an embodiment, the SON manager 406 can be implemented in a controllerplatform of the SDN platform 402 using JAVA or other suitabletechnologies. The SON manager 406 can inherit all the interfaceattributes and utilities of other already implement controllermanagement modules. The SON manager 406 can use Open Daylight REST APIlayer to communicate with application and other user defined cloudnetwork/enhanced control, orchestration, management, and policy(UDNC/ECOMP) components. This interface can be used for communicationbetween the SON manager 406 and e.g., data collection, analysis eventcomponents, for obtaining information about an event that was detectedin the network within the scope of a specific input of a SON algorithm.

Turning now to FIG. 5, illustrated is an example, non-limitingembodiment of a block diagram 500 showing a self organizing network in asoftware defined networking platform 502 in accordance with variousaspects described herein

In an embodiment, SDN platform 502 can be a standardized SDN platformthat can have one or more specialized or custom modules in order toeffectuate SON algorithms. In an embodiment SDN platform 502 can includea service abstraction layer 512 that facilitates communications betweenhigher level plug-ins and plug-ins that communicate with devices. In anembodiment, the service abstraction layer 512 can facilitatecommunications between the RAN plug-in 514 which interfaces with theradio access network (e.g., base station device 516) and plug-ins suchas a SON manager 506. The RAN plug-in 514 can update a tree datastructure 504 with operational parameters and configuration settings ofthe base station device 516. Once the parameters and settings are storedin the tree data structure 504, the SON manager 506 can implement one ormore optimization plug-ins (e.g., power plug-in 508 and/or outageplug-in 510, among other plug-ins) and make adjustments to theparameters, save them to the tree data structure 504 and the RAN plug-in514 can distribute those modified parameters to the base station device516.

In an embodiment, the SON manager 506 can also receive instructions fromthe core network via a northbound communication interface to activate ordeactivate one or more of power plug-in 508 or outage plug-in 510. Forinstance, the outage plug-in 510 might normally be inactive, but whenthe core network determines that a cell tower or base station device hasgone offline, either due to a planned event (e.g., maintenance, etc) ordue to an unexpected outage, the core network can send an instruction tothe SON manager 506 via the northbound communication interface toactivate the outage plug-in 510. Likewise, if there is an event or setof circumstances that may trigger power consumption optimization, thecore network can send an instruction to the SON manager 506 to activatethe power plug-in 508.

In other embodiments, the SON manager 506 can determine from the basestation device parameters stored in the tree data structure 504 whetheror not to activate one or more of the optimization plug-ins. Forinstance, SON manager 506 can determine that a base station device hasgone offline, or whether increased load on one or more base stationdevices may trigger configuration changes to the radio access networkand activate and/or enable the relevant plug-ins.

Turning now to FIG. 6, illustrated is an example, non-limitingembodiment of a block diagram 600 showing a self organizing networkmanager 602 in a software defined networking environment in accordancewith various aspects described herein.

SON manager 602 can include a request component 604 that retrieves basestation device parameters from a tree data structure. Request component604 can retrieve the base station device parameters at predeterminedintervals or in response to an optimization plug-in/algorithm beinginitiated.

Identification component 606 can determine which base station device theparameters are associated with by interfacing with a topology managerthat comprises topology information associated with network elements andalso relationship information identifying associated base stationdevices.

Optimization component 608 can modify the base station device parametersaccording to one or more optimization algorithms in order to adjust theradio access network according to one or more goals. For instance, theoptimization component 608 can adjust the base station device parametersto mitigate a cell tower outage, or to reduce power consumption, or forsome other end. Update component 610 can then update the tree datastructure with the modified base station device parameters.

The request component 604 can also include an input data collector thatcommunicates with the applications and ECOMP components that feed theSON algorithms with network data and directives. The request component604 and identification component 606 can include interfaces thatcommunicate with the topology manager, and other management entitieswithin the SDN platform and the service abstraction environment.

The optimization component 608 can include a internal SON algorithmicengine that has a collection of SON algorithms that obtain network datato provide configuration suggestions. In an embodiment, the SON manager602 can also include a internal SON database or tree structure thatprovides temporary network parameter value storage. The update component610 can then include a SON decision enforcer that feeds configurationchange requests to service abstraction layer plug-ins. In an embodiment,the SON manager 602 can iteratively repeat the process until the SONalgorithm converges to an acceptable state. Depending on decisions thatare potentially made by ECOMP, other controller functions or otherapplications, the north-bound interface or other interfaces can be usedfor instructing the optimization component 608 to perform certainactions, such as: stop making decisions, restart using new data, skip aniteration, or other actions.

FIGS. 7-8 illustrates a process in connection with the aforementionedsystems. The processes in FIGS. 7-8 can be implemented for example bythe systems in FIGS. 1-6. While for purposes of simplicity ofexplanation, the methods are shown and described as a series of blocks,it is to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matteris not limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what isdepicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks maybe required to implement the methods described hereinafter.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram 700 of an example, non-limitingembodiment of a method for utilizing a self organizing network in asoftware defined networking environment as described herein.

The method 700 can begin at 702 where the method comprises updating, bya device comprising a processor, a tree structure with a firstoperational parameter of a first base station device.

At 704, the method can include modifying, by the device, the firstoperational parameter, based on a selected optimization plug-in,resulting in a modified operational parameter.

At 706, the method can include updating, by the device, the treestructure with the modified operational parameter.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram 800 of an example, non-limitingembodiment of a method for utilizing a self organizing network in asoftware defined networking environment as described herein.

The method 800 can begin at 802 where the method comprises identifying,by the device, a second base station device associated with the firstbase station device via a topology controller.

At 804, the method can include updating, by the device, the treestructure with a second operational parameter from the second basestation device.

At 806, the method can include modifying, by the device, the firstoperational parameter from the first base station device based on thesecond operational parameter of the second base station device.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is illustrated a block diagram of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein. For example, in some embodiments, the computer can be or beincluded within the radio repeater system disclosed in any of theprevious systems 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 and/or 700.

In order to provide additional context for various embodiments describedherein, FIG. 9 and the following discussion are intended to provide abrief, general description of a suitable computing environment 900 inwhich the various embodiments of the embodiment described herein can beimplemented. While the embodiments have been described above in thegeneral context of computer-executable instructions that can run on oneor more computers, those skilled in the art will recognize that theembodiments can be also implemented in combination with other programmodules and/or as a combination of hardware and software.

Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the inventive methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, including single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and so forth, as used in theclaims, unless otherwise clear by context, is for clarity only anddoesn't otherwise indicate or imply any order in time. For instance, “afirst determination,” “a second determination,” and “a thirddetermination,” does not indicate or imply that the first determinationis to be made before the second determination, or vice versa, etc.

The illustrated embodiments of the embodiments herein can be alsopracticed in distributed computing environments where certain tasks areperformed by remote processing devices that are linked through acommunications network. In a distributed computing environment, programmodules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically include a variety of media, which caninclude computer-readable storage media and/or communications media,which two terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and includes both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured dataor unstructured data.

Computer-readable storage media can include, but are not limited to,random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electricallyerasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or othermemory technology, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), digitalversatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devicesor other tangible and/or non-transitory media which can be used to storedesired information. In this regard, the terms “tangible” or“non-transitory” herein as applied to storage, memory orcomputer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude onlypropagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not relinquishrights to all standard storage, memory or computer-readable media thatare not only propagating transitory signals per se.

Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or more local orremote computing devices, e.g., via access requests, queries or otherdata retrieval protocols, for a variety of operations with respect tothe information stored by the medium.

Communications media typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructureddata in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrierwave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information deliveryor transport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signals refersto a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changedin such a manner as to encode information in one or more signals. By wayof example, and not limitation, communication media include wired media,such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless mediasuch as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media.

With reference again to FIG. 9, the example environment 900 forimplementing various embodiments of the aspects described hereinincludes a computer 902, the computer 902 including a processing unit904, a system memory 906 and a system bus 908. The system bus 908couples system components including, but not limited to, the systemmemory 906 to the processing unit 904. The processing unit 904 can beany of various commercially available processors. Dual microprocessorsand other multi-processor architectures can also be employed as theprocessing unit 904.

The system bus 908 can be any of several types of bus structure that canfurther interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 906 includesROM 910 and RAM 912. A basic input/output system (BIOS) can be stored ina non-volatile memory such as ROM, erasable programmable read onlymemory (EPROM), EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines that helpto transfer information between elements within the computer 902, suchas during startup. The RAM 912 can also include a high-speed RAM such asstatic RAM for caching data.

The computer 902 further includes an internal hard disk drive (HDD) 914(e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal hard disk drive 914 can also beconfigured for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown), amagnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 916, (e.g., to read from or write to aremovable diskette 918) and an optical disk drive 920, (e.g., reading aCD-ROM disk 922 or, to read from or write to other high capacity opticalmedia such as the DVD). The hard disk drive 914, magnetic disk drive 916and optical disk drive 920 can be connected to the system bus 908 by ahard disk drive interface 924, a magnetic disk drive interface 926 andan optical drive interface 928, respectively. The interface 924 forexternal drive implementations includes at least one or both ofUniversal Serial Bus (USB) and Institute of Electrical and ElectronicsEngineers (IEEE) 1394 interface technologies. Other external driveconnection technologies are within contemplation of the embodimentsdescribed herein.

The drives and their associated computer-readable storage media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 902, the drives and storagemedia accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format.Although the description of computer-readable storage media above refersto a hard disk drive (HDD), a removable magnetic diskette, and aremovable optical media such as a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that other types of storage media which arereadable by a computer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flashmemory cards, cartridges, and the like, can also be used in the exampleoperating environment, and further, that any such storage media cancontain computer-executable instructions for performing the methodsdescribed herein.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 912,including an operating system 930, one or more application programs 932,other program modules 934 and program data 936. All or portions of theoperating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also be cachedin the RAM 912. The systems and methods described herein can beimplemented utilizing various commercially available operating systemsor combinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 902 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 938 and apointing device, such as a mouse 940. Other input devices (not shown)can include a microphone, an infrared (IR) remote control, a joystick, agame pad, a stylus pen, touch screen or the like. These and other inputdevices are often connected to the processing unit 904 through an inputdevice interface 942 that can be coupled to the system bus 908, but canbe connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE 1394serial port, a game port, a universal serial bus (USB) port, an IRinterface, etc.

A monitor 944 or other type of display device can be also connected tothe system bus 908 via an interface, such as a video adapter 946. Inaddition to the monitor 944, a computer typically includes otherperipheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 902 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 948. The remotecomputer(s) 948 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentappliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallyincludes many or all of the elements described relative to the computer902, although, for purposes of brevity, only a memory/storage device 950is illustrated. The logical connections depicted include wired/wirelessconnectivity to a local area network (LAN) 952 and/or larger networks,e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 954. Such LAN and WAN networkingenvironments are commonplace in offices and companies, and facilitateenterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all of which canconnect to a global communications network, e.g., the Internet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 902 can beconnected to the local network 952 through a wired and/or wirelesscommunication network interface or adapter 956. The adapter 956 canfacilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN 952, which canalso include a wireless AP disposed thereon for communicating with thewireless adapter 956.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 902 can includea modem 958 or can be connected to a communications server on the WAN954 or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN 954,such as by way of the Internet. The modem 958, which can be internal orexternal and a wired or wireless device, can be connected to the systembus 908 via the input device interface 942. In a networked environment,program modules depicted relative to the computer 902 or portionsthereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device 950. It willbe appreciated that the network connections shown are example and othermeans of establishing a communications link between the computers can beused.

The computer 902 can be operable to communicate with any wirelessdevices or entities operatively disposed in wireless communication,e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portabledata assistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment orlocation associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk,news stand, restroom), and telephone. This can include Wireless Fidelity(Wi-Fi) and BLUETOOTH® wireless technologies. Thus, the communicationcan be a predefined structure as with a conventional network or simplyan ad hoc communication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi can allow connection to the Internet from a couch at home, a bedin a hotel room or a conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is awireless technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enablessuch devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out;anywhere within the range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use radiotechnologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, n, ac, etc.) to providesecure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can beused to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wirednetworks (which can use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operatein the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, at an 11 Mbps (802.11a) or54 Mbps (802.11b) data rate, for example or with products that containboth bands (dual band), so the networks can provide real-worldperformance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired Ethernet networks used inmany offices.

In an embodiment of the subject application, the computer 1002 canprovide the environment and/or setting in which one or more of the cloudEPCs disclosed in FIGS. 1-8 can be operated from. For instance, thevirtual machines disclosed herein can be applications 932 stored in harddrive 914 and executed by processing unit 904.

FIG. 10 presents an example embodiment 1000 of a mobile network platform1010 that can implement and exploit one or more aspects of the disclosedsubject matter described herein. Generally, wireless network platform1010 can include components, e.g., nodes, gateways, interfaces, servers,or disparate platforms, that facilitate both packet-switched (PS) (e.g.,internet protocol (IP), frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM))and circuit-switched (CS) traffic (e.g., voice and data), as well ascontrol generation for networked wireless telecommunication. As anon-limiting example, wireless network platform 1010 can be included intelecommunications carrier networks, and can be considered carrier-sidecomponents as discussed elsewhere herein. Mobile network platform 1010includes CS gateway node(s) 1012 which can interface CS traffic receivedfrom legacy networks like telephony network(s) 1040 (e.g., publicswitched telephone network (PSTN), or public land mobile network (PLMN))or a signaling system #7 (SS7) network 1070. Circuit switched gatewaynode(s) 1012 can authorize and authenticate traffic (e.g., voice)arising from such networks. Additionally, CS gateway node(s) 1012 canaccess mobility, or roaming, data generated through SS7 network 1070;for instance, mobility data stored in a visited location register (VLR),which can reside in memory 1030. Moreover, CS gateway node(s) 1012interfaces CS-based traffic and signaling and PS gateway node(s) 1018.As an example, in a 3GPP UMTS network, CS gateway node(s) 1012 can berealized at least in part in gateway GPRS support node(s) (GGSN). Itshould be appreciated that functionality and specific operation of CSgateway node(s) 1012, PS gateway node(s) 1018, and serving node(s) 1016,is provided and dictated by radio technology(ies) utilized by mobilenetwork platform 1010 for telecommunication. Mobile network platform1010 can also include the MMEs, HSS/PCRFs, SGWs, and PGWs disclosedherein. In an embodiment, mobile network platform 1010 can also includea software defined networking platform 1020 (e.g., SDN platform 102,402, 502, etc) that can include SON manager plug-ins to manage the radioaccess network that provides connectivity to UE 1075

In addition to receiving and processing CS-switched traffic andsignaling, PS gateway node(s) 1018 can authorize and authenticatePS-based data sessions with served mobile devices. Data sessions caninclude traffic, or content(s), exchanged with networks external to thewireless network platform 1010, like wide area network(s) (WANs) 1050,enterprise network(s) 1070, and service network(s) 1080, which can beembodied in local area network(s) (LANs), can also be interfaced withmobile network platform 1010 through PS gateway node(s) 1018. It is tobe noted that WANs 1050 and enterprise network(s) 1060 can embody, atleast in part, a service network(s) like IP multimedia subsystem (IMS).Based on radio technology layer(s) available in technology resource(s)1017, packet-switched gateway node(s) 1018 can generate packet dataprotocol contexts when a data session is established; other datastructures that facilitate routing of packetized data also can begenerated. To that end, in an aspect, PS gateway node(s) 1018 caninclude a tunnel interface (e.g., tunnel termination gateway (TTG) in3GPP UMTS network(s) (not shown)) which can facilitate packetizedcommunication with disparate wireless network(s), such as Wi-Finetworks.

In embodiment 1000, wireless network platform 1010 also includes servingnode(s) 1016 that, based upon available radio technology layer(s) withintechnology resource(s) 1017, convey the various packetized flows of datastreams received through PS gateway node(s) 1018. It is to be noted thatfor technology resource(s) 1017 that rely primarily on CS communication,server node(s) can deliver traffic without reliance on PS gatewaynode(s) 1018; for example, server node(s) can embody at least in part amobile switching center. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTS network, servingnode(s) 1016 can be embodied in serving GPRS support node(s) (SGSN).

For radio technologies that exploit packetized communication, server(s)1014 in wireless network platform 1010 can execute numerous applicationsthat can generate multiple disparate packetized data streams or flows,and manage (e.g., schedule, queue, format . . . ) such flows. Suchapplication(s) can include add-on features to standard services (forexample, provisioning, billing, customer support . . . ) provided bywireless network platform 1010. Data streams (e.g., content(s) that arepart of a voice call or data session) can be conveyed to PS gatewaynode(s) 1018 for authorization/authentication and initiation of a datasession, and to serving node(s) 1016 for communication thereafter. Inaddition to application server, server(s) 1014 can include utilityserver(s), a utility server can include a provisioning server, anoperations and maintenance server, a security server that can implementat least in part a certificate authority and firewalls as well as othersecurity mechanisms, and the like. In an aspect, security server(s)secure communication served through wireless network platform 1010 toensure network's operation and data integrity in addition toauthorization and authentication procedures that CS gateway node(s) 1012and PS gateway node(s) 1018 can enact. Moreover, provisioning server(s)can provision services from external network(s) like networks operatedby a disparate service provider; for instance, WAN 1050 or GlobalPositioning System (GPS) network(s) (not shown). Provisioning server(s)can also provision coverage through networks associated to wirelessnetwork platform 1010 (e.g., deployed and operated by the same serviceprovider), such as femto-cell network(s) (not shown) that enhancewireless service coverage within indoor confined spaces and offload RANresources in order to enhance subscriber service experience within ahome or business environment by way of UE 1075.

It is to be noted that server(s) 1014 can include one or more processorsconfigured to confer at least in part the functionality of macro networkplatform 1010. To that end, the one or more processor can execute codeinstructions stored in memory 1030, for example. It is should beappreciated that server(s) 1014 can include a content manager 1015,which operates in substantially the same manner as describedhereinbefore.

In example embodiment 1000, memory 1030 can store information related tooperation of wireless network platform 1010. Other operationalinformation can include provisioning information of mobile devicesserved through wireless platform network 1010, subscriber databases;application intelligence, pricing schemes, e.g., promotional rates,flat-rate programs, couponing campaigns; technical specification(s)consistent with telecommunication protocols for operation of disparateradio, or wireless, technology layers; and so forth. Memory 1030 canalso store information from at least one of telephony network(s) 1040,WAN 1050, enterprise network(s) 1060, or SS7 network 1070. In an aspect,memory 1030 can be, for example, accessed as part of a data storecomponent or as a remotely connected memory store.

In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the disclosedsubject matter, FIGS. 9 and 10, and the following discussion, areintended to provide a brief, general description of a suitableenvironment in which the various aspects of the disclosed subject mattercan be implemented. While the subject matter has been described above inthe general context of computer-executable instructions of a computerprogram that runs on a computer and/or computers, those skilled in theart will recognize that the disclosed subject matter also can beimplemented in combination with other program modules. Generally,program modules include routines, programs, components, data structures,etc. that perform particular tasks and/or implement particular abstractdata types.

In the subject specification, terms such as “store,” “storage,” “datastore,” data storage,” “database,” and substantially any otherinformation storage component relevant to operation and functionality ofa component, refer to “memory components,” or entities embodied in a“memory” or components comprising the memory. It will be appreciatedthat the memory components described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory, or can include both volatile andnonvolatile memory, by way of illustration, and not limitation, volatilememory (see below), non-volatile memory (see below), disk storage (seebelow), and memory storage (see below). Further, nonvolatile memory canbe included in read only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM),electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable ROM(EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can include random accessmemory (RAM), which acts as external cache memory. By way ofillustration and not limitation, RAM is available in many forms such assynchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM),double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), SynchlinkDRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM). Additionally, thedisclosed memory components of systems or methods herein are intended tocomprise, without being limited to comprising, these and any othersuitable types of memory.

Moreover, it will be noted that the disclosed subject matter can bepracticed with other computer system configurations, includingsingle-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, mini-computingdevices, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, hand-heldcomputing devices (e.g., PDA, phone, watch, tablet computers, netbookcomputers, . . . ), microprocessor-based or programmable consumer orindustrial electronics, and the like. The illustrated aspects can alsobe practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks areperformed by remote processing devices that are linked through acommunications network; however, some if not all aspects of the subjectdisclosure can be practiced on stand-alone computers. In a distributedcomputing environment, program modules can be located in both local andremote memory storage devices.

The embodiments described herein can employ artificial intelligence (AI)to facilitate automating one or more features described herein. Theembodiments (e.g., in connection with automatically identifying acquiredcell sites that provide a maximum value/benefit after addition to anexisting communication network) can employ various AI-based schemes forcarrying out various embodiments thereof. Moreover, the classifier canbe employed to determine a ranking or priority of the each cell site ofthe acquired network. A classifier is a function that maps an inputattribute vector, x=(x1, x2, x3, x4, . . . , xn), to a confidence thatthe input belongs to a class, that is, f(x)=confidence(class). Suchclassification can employ a probabilistic and/or statistical-basedanalysis (e.g., factoring into the analysis utilities and costs) toprognose or infer an action that a user desires to be automaticallyperformed. A support vector machine (SVM) is an example of a classifierthat can be employed. The SVM operates by finding a hypersurface in thespace of possible inputs, which the hypersurface attempts to split thetriggering criteria from the non-triggering events. Intuitively, thismakes the classification correct for testing data that is near, but notidentical to training data. Other directed and undirected modelclassification approaches include, e.g., naïve Bayes, Bayesian networks,decision trees, neural networks, fuzzy logic models, and probabilisticclassification models providing different patterns of independence canbe employed. Classification as used herein also is inclusive ofstatistical regression that is utilized to develop models of priority.

As will be readily appreciated, one or more of the embodiments canemploy classifiers that are explicitly trained (e.g., via a generictraining data) as well as implicitly trained (e.g., via observing UEbehavior, operator preferences, historical information, receivingextrinsic information). For example, SVMs can be configured via alearning or training phase within a classifier constructor and featureselection module. Thus, the classifier(s) can be used to automaticallylearn and perform a number of functions, including but not limited todetermining according to a predetermined criteria which of the acquiredcell sites will benefit a maximum number of subscribers and/or which ofthe acquired cell sites will add minimum value to the existingcommunication network coverage, etc.

As used in this application, in some embodiments, the terms “component,”“system” and the like are intended to refer to, or include, acomputer-related entity or an entity related to an operational apparatuswith one or more specific functionalities, wherein the entity can beeither hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, orsoftware in execution. As an example, a component may be, but is notlimited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, anobject, an executable, a thread of execution, computer-executableinstructions, a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration andnot limitation, both an application running on a server and the servercan be a component. One or more components may reside within a processand/or thread of execution and a component may be localized on onecomputer and/or distributed between two or more computers. In addition,these components can execute from various computer readable media havingvarious data structures stored thereon. The components may communicatevia local and/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signalhaving one or more data packets (e.g., data from one componentinteracting with another component in a local system, distributedsystem, and/or across a network such as the Internet with other systemsvia the signal). As another example, a component can be an apparatuswith specific functionality provided by mechanical parts operated byelectric or electronic circuitry, which is operated by a software orfirmware application executed by a processor, wherein the processor canbe internal or external to the apparatus and executes at least a part ofthe software or firmware application. As yet another example, acomponent can be an apparatus that provides specific functionalitythrough electronic components without mechanical parts, the electroniccomponents can include a processor therein to execute software orfirmware that confers at least in part the functionality of theelectronic components. While various components have been illustrated asseparate components, it will be appreciated that multiple components canbe implemented as a single component, or a single component can beimplemented as multiple components, without departing from exampleembodiments.

Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method,apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware or anycombination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosedsubject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein isintended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable device or computer-readable storage/communicationsmedia. For example, computer readable storage media can include, but arenot limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk,magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digitalversatile disk (DVD)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g.,card, stick, key drive). Of course, those skilled in the art willrecognize many modifications can be made to this configuration withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the various embodiments.

In addition, the words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to meanserving as an instance or illustration. Any embodiment or designdescribed herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments ordesigns. Rather, use of the word example or exemplary is intended topresent concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, theterm “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive“or”. That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, “Xemploys A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusivepermutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both Aand B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoinginstances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in thisapplication and the appended claims should generally be construed tomean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context tobe directed to a singular form.

Moreover, terms such as “user equipment,” “mobile station,” “mobile,”subscriber station,” “access terminal,” “terminal,” “handset,” “mobiledevice” (and/or terms representing similar terminology) can refer to awireless device utilized by a subscriber or user of a wirelesscommunication service to receive or convey data, control, voice, video,sound, gaming or substantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. Theforegoing terms are utilized interchangeably herein and with referenceto the related drawings.

Furthermore, the terms “user,” “subscriber,” “customer,” “consumer” andthe like are employed interchangeably throughout, unless contextwarrants particular distinctions among the terms. It should beappreciated that such terms can refer to human entities or automatedcomponents supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacityto make inference based, at least, on complex mathematical formalisms),which can provide simulated vision, sound recognition and so forth.

As employed herein, the term “processor” can refer to substantially anycomputing processing unit or device comprising, but not limited tocomprising, single-core processors; single-processors with softwaremultithread execution capability; multi-core processors; multi-coreprocessors with software multithread execution capability; multi-coreprocessors with hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; andparallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, aprocessor can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic controller (PLC), acomplex programmable logic device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistorlogic, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof designedto perform the functions described herein. Processors can exploitnano-scale architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular andquantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, in order to optimizespace usage or enhance performance of user equipment. A processor canalso be implemented as a combination of computing processing units.

What has been described above includes mere examples of variousembodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes ofdescribing these examples, but one of ordinary skill in the art canrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the presentembodiments are possible. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed and/orclaimed herein are intended to embrace all such alterations,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes”is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term isintended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as“comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in aclaim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: a processor; and a memorythat stores executable instructions that, when executed by theprocessor, facilitate performance of operations, comprising: modifying afirst parameter corresponding to a first base station device, viaactivation of a selected optimization module, resulting in a firstmodified parameter, wherein the selected optimization module is selectedbased on the first parameter, and wherein the first parameter is storedin a tree data structure; modifying a second parameter corresponding toa second base station device resulting in a second modified parameter;and in response to updating the tree data structure with the firstmodified parameter, permitting access by the first base station deviceto the first modified parameter and permitting access by the second basestation device to the second modified parameter.
 2. The system of claim1, wherein the first parameter is stored in the tree structure viaactivation of a radio access network plug-in.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the operations further comprise: in response to receiving aninstruction from a network controller after the activation, deactivatingthe selected optimization module.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein themodifying the second parameter is via the activation of the selectedoptimization module.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the activation ofthe selected optimization module is a first activation of a firstselected optimization module, and wherein the modifying the secondparameter is via a second activation of a second selected optimizationmodule.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the second selectedoptimization model is selected based on the second parameter.
 7. Thesystem of claim 6, wherein the second parameter is stored in the treedata structure.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the modifying thefirst parameter results in a power consumption of the first base stationdevice being reduced.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the modifyingthe first parameter results in a change to a wireless coverage areacorresponding to the first base station device.
 10. A method,comprising: modifying, by a system comprising a processor, a firstoperational parameter stored in a tree data structure, wherein themodifying is performed by a first activated optimization module, whereinthe modifying results in a first modified operational parameter storedin the tree data structure, and wherein the first activated optimizationmodule is selected based on the first operation parameter; modifying, bythe system, a second operational parameter corresponding to a secondbase station device resulting in a second modified operationalparameter; and communicating, by the system, the first modifiedoperational parameter to a first base station device and the secondmodified operational parameter to the second base station device. 11.The method of claim 10, further comprising: in response to receiving, bythe system, an instruction from a network controller, deactivating thefirst activated optimization module.
 12. The method of claim 10, whereinthe modifying the second operational parameter is performed by the firstactivated optimization module.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein themodifying the second operational parameter is performed by a secondactivated optimization module that is selected based on the secondparameter.
 14. A machine-readable storage medium, comprising executableinstructions that, when executed by a processor, facilitate performanceof operations, comprising: modifying a first operational parameterstored in a tree data structure, wherein the modifying is performed by afirst activated optimization module, wherein the modifying results in afirst modified operational parameter stored in the tree data structure,and wherein the first activated optimization module is selected fromoptimization modules of a self organizing network plug-in based on thefirst operation parameter; modifying a second operational parametercorresponding to a second base station device resulting in a secondmodified operational parameter; and transmitting the first modifiedoperational parameter to a first base station device and transmittingthe second modified operational parameter to the second base stationdevice.
 15. The machine-readable storage medium of claim 14, wherein theoperations further comprise: in response to receiving an instructionfrom a network controller, suspending an execution of the firstactivated optimization module.
 16. The machine-readable storage mediumof claim 14, wherein the modifying the second operational parameter iscaused by execution of the first activated optimization module.
 17. Themachine-readable storage medium of claim 14, wherein the modifying thesecond operational parameter is caused by execution of a secondactivated optimization module, and wherein the second activatedoptimization module is selected based on the second parameter.
 18. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the modifying the second parameter results ina power consumption of the second base station device being reduced. 19.The system of claim 1, wherein the modifying the second parameterresults in a change to a wireless coverage area corresponding to thesecond base station device.
 20. The machine-readable storage medium ofclaim 14, wherein the modifying the first operational parameter resultsin reducing a power consumption of the first base station device.